Sunday, June 25, 2017

Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org.If you ever get nervous just thinking about going to the dentist, you’re not alone. Perhaps you’re scared the visit might hurt or you haven’t been in a while and not sure what the dentist will find. Whatever your reason, the right dental team will make sure your dental and your emotional health are taken care of. The more you delay - or just don’t go - to the dentist, the higher your risk of developing dental problems that will make gearing up for future dental visits more difficult. In fact, seeing your dentist regularly can actually make the entire process - from making an appointment to sailing through it - much easier on many levels. Use these strategies at your next appointment to help ease your anxiety and strengthen your smile. 1. Speak up Anyone with anxiety knows sharing your feelings makes a world of difference. If you're tense or anxious, do yourself a favor and get your concerns off your chest. Your dentist and dental team are better able to treat you if they know your needs. 2. Distract yourself Taking your mind off the exam may seem impossible when you’re nervous, but there are some things that that can help distract your thoughts. 3. Use mindfulness techniques Relaxation starts in the mind. Try deep breathing exercises to help relax tension in your muscles. To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.The remainder of the article contains more information under each of the headings:

Friday, June 9, 2017

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by Wendy J. WoudstraNo matter how conscientious you are about your oral care routine, at some point in your life you will probably experience the discomfort of a toothache. Though a cavity is the most likely culprit, it is only one of several possible causes of toothaches.Tooth SensitivityIf you are experiencing sharp pains when eating or drinking hot or cold foods, it could mean you have a cavity. It may also be a sign that you may have sensitive teeth, either from receding gums or from a thinning of your tooth enamel. While you are waiting for a dental appointment to confirm the cause of your sensitive teeth, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth may help ease the symptoms.Some Toothaches Are More SevereIf the pain you are experiencing is a sharp, stabbing pain when you bite down on your food, the cause of your toothache could be a cavity or a cracked tooth. If it's a throbbing, incessant pain, on the other hand, you may have an abscessed tooth or an infection that should be taken care of as quickly as possible.To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.The remainder of the article details the following:

Friday, June 2, 2017

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by the ADAA healthy adult produces about three pints of saliva each day. It's not the kind of thing you would give thought to very often, but that saliva plays a very important role in maintaining your health.Saliva serves many purposes. It contains enzymes that aid in digestion. Saliva makes it easier to talk, a fact recognized by those who experience stage fright and the associated dry mouth while giving a presentation. Saliva also helps prevent tooth decay by washing away food and debris from the teeth and gums. It neutralizes damaging acids, enhances the ability to taste food and makes it easier to swallow. Minerals found in saliva also help repair microscopic tooth decay. Everyone, at some time or another, experiences dry mouth, also called "xerostomia." It can happen when you are nervous, upset or under stress or as a result of medication you take or other medical therapies. If dry mouth happens all or most of the time, however, it can be uncomfortable - and it can have serious consequences for your oral health.Drying irritates the soft tissues in the mouth, which can make them inflamed and more susceptible to infection. Without the cleansing effects of saliva, tooth decay and other oral health problems become much more common. Regular dental checkups are important. At each appointment, report any medications you are taking and other information about your health. An updated health history can help identify a cause for mouth dryness. To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

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About Me

Dr. Harmik
Derhartounian created Flintridge Dental Studio to offer beautiful smiles to
people in the San Gabriel and San Fernando Valleys.

Dr. Harmik
earned his dental degree in 1993 from the University of the Pacific
School of Dentistry in San Francisco. He also has a medical degree from
the University of Padova School of Medicine in Padova, Italy. Dr. Harmik
is a member of the American Dental Association, the San Fernando Valley
Dental Society, International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and the
Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation. Dr. Harmik is committed to
continuing education courses as a way to offer the best and most modern
dentistry available. This training has focused on areas such as esthetic
dentistry and conscious sedation, and most recently, he received
advanced training resulting in certification as an Invisalign™ Premier
Provider. His dedication to lifelong learning ensures you and your
family the best dental care available, both today and in the future.